Ten Best Food Events to Attend in December

BRUNCH AND COOKIE DECORATING WITH SANTA
Where: Baur's Restaurant and Listening Lounge, 1512 Curtis Street
When: Saturday, December 5 from 9 a.m. - 2:30 p.m.
What: Join Santa for a morning of Christmas festivities. With the purchase of a children's brunch, children will also get the opportunity to meet Santa, decorate cookies, and string popcorn. Baur's is one of Denver's hottest brunch spots, so adults can also enjoy themselves with a delicious Belgian waffle and a mimosa (or two).
More info: Visit Baur's website to learn more about the event.

OXFORD HOTEL DOLL'S TEA PARTY
Where: The Oxford Hotel, 1600 17th Street
When: Sunday, December 6 with three seating opportunities: 10 a.m., 12:30 p.m., and 3 p.m. 
What: The annual Doll's tea party is a classic Denver tradition, for both children and adults alike. The tea party includes tea for the older crowd, and hot chocolate for those who still have baby teeth (or just a sweet tooth in general). The tea party will also feature a whimsical ballet performance by the Arvada Dance Center, after which children will have the opportunity to meet and take pictures with the ballerinas. In addition, children are encouraged to bring their favorite doll to the event as a plus one.
More info: The event will include three seatings for the performance: one at 10 a.m. - $32 for children + $52 for adults, 12:30 p.m. - $39 for children + $59 for adults, and 3 p.m. - $39 for children + $59 for adults.

SOUP CUP CLASSIC
Where: Frisco Adventure Park, 621 Recreation Way, Frisco
When: Sunday, December 6 from 4 - 6 p.m.
What: Looking to skip traffic on I-70 this month? The Soup Cup Classic, which takes place right off of the Frisco exit on I-70, is a competition in which local restaurants and amateur chefs compete for the title of "Best Soup," which will be judged by guests and attendees.
More info: Tickets are $30 for adults and $15 for kids 12 and younger. The ticket price includes unlimited soup tasting, two beers from New Belgium, and two hours of unlimited tubing from 4 - 6 p.m.

WHITE TRUFFLE & BAROLO DINNER
Where: Frasca Food and Wine, 1738 Pearl Street, Boulder
When: December 7 and 8 at 6:30 p.m.
What: The restaurant will host its lavish 9th annual truffle and Barolo dinner. The two-night affair features chef Mark Ladner of Del Posto in NYC and Italian guest winemaker Gaia Gaja, with a Champagne reception by Krug.
More info: Tickets are $970 per person and include wine pairings. Only 42 seats are available, call 303.442.0608 for reservations.

WINTER FARM DINNER
Where: Oxford Gardens, 10145 Oxford Road, Longmont
When: Saturday, December 12
What: Cafe Aion will be hosting a winter farm dinner in partnership with Peter Voltz. The menu, centered around wood-fired cooking, includes Colorado goat, greenhouse greens, handmade gnocchi, local cheese, preserved fruits and vegetables, pear and polenta cake, and of course, wine pairings. The dinner will be served inside, at Oxford Farm's "party house," in which guests will be warmed by the fireplace. The meal will be served alongside a Spanish sherry pairing.
More info: For reservations, call 303.993.8131.

POP UP DINNER AT LOWER 48
Where: The former Lower48 Kitchen, 2020 Lawrence St. Ste. A
When: Sunday, December 13 starting at 6 p.m. 
What: A few of Denver's celebrated culinary masters will team up to put on a playful and inventive 7-course tasting menu in the former Lower48 space. Jamey Freeman, John Depierro, and Eric Crimino will be preparing a feast for the senses. 
More info: Tickets are $55 and drinks will be available for purchase at the event. Tickets can be purchased online.

2015 DENVER BEER FESTIVUS
Where: Wings Over the Rockies Air & Space Museum, 7711 E. Academy Blvd.
When: Sunday, December 13 from 2  - 5:30 p.m. 
What: It's a beer festivus for the rest of us! The craft beer-centric event features some of the premiere breweries and beer from all over Colorado. Early access will be granted at 1 p.m. for "Feats of Strength" ticket holders. Busses to and from the event will be organized and leaving from various centrally-located tap rooms for patrons' convenience and safety. 
More info: Tickets range from $40 - $65, and shuttle rides are $10 roundtrip. To buy tickets and learn more about the event, see online.

STEUBEN'S ANNUAL TOY DRIVE
Where: Steuben's Food Service, 523 E. 17th Ave.
When: Monday, December 14 starting at 9 p.m. 
What: The kind folks at Steuben's are hosting the annual toy drive, a charitable event that is both fun for attendees and recipients of the toy drive. This year the theme is Saturday Night Live and guests are encouraged to come dressed as a favorite SNL character. The organizers ask that guests bring a toy valued at $10 or less for donation, and in turn will receive their first cocktail for free. 
More info: For more information on the event, call 303.830.1001.

A SENSORY EXPLORATION OF SCOTCH WHISKY
Where: Finn's Manor, 2927 Larimer Street
When: Monday, December 14 at 6:30 p.m.
What: Robert Sickler is inviting guests to join him on a "sensory journey" of the whiskies of Scotland. The exclusive event, which is limited to 25 seats, will include whisky tastings from over 10 scottish distillers, in addition to savory fare provided by Rosenberg's Bagels and Dellicatessen. Sickler, a whiskey connoisseur, will be present to provide commentary and history about the whiskies, as well as answer any questions about the scotch selection at hand.
More info: Tickets, $45 per person including the scotch tastings and snacks, can be purchased by emailing Robert at RobertSickler@gmail.com.

WINE DINNER AT DIFRANCO'S
Where: DiFranco's, 955 Lincoln St. Unit D
When: Saturday, December 19 starting at 7 p.m. 
What: 4 different Peter Franus wines will be served alongside a 3-course tasting menu for optimal dining and wine-drinking pleasure.
More info: Tickets are $75 and can be purchased by calling 720.253.1244, or by emailing info@difrancos.com.